The Parts of a Cell
Illustrations reproduced from Florida State University
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/animalcell.html
1. Found only in plant cells.
2. Photosynthesis occurs within this structure.
3. Contains chlorophyll, a green pigment
active in photosynthesis.
The Chloroplast
1. Releases the energy needed for the cell’s
survival.
2. In order to produce this energy, this
structure breaks down glucose in a
process called RESPIRATION.
3. Often called the “powerhouse of the cell”.
The Mitochondria
1. Series of passageways that extends from the
nucleus through the cytoplasm.
2. Produces small vesicles which are used to
transport materials, such as proteins,
to the Golgi Bodies and the rest of the cell.
3. Found in two forms: Smooth and Rough
The Endoplasmic Reticulum
1. Controls all the activities of the cell,
including cellular reproduction.
2. Contains the cell’s chromatin (DNA).
3. Called the “control center” of the cell.
The Nucleus
1. Considered to be the distribution and
shipping department for the cell’s
chemical products.
2. May modify the proteins and lipids (fats) that
have been shipped from the ER and prepare
them for export outside of the cell or for
transport to other locations in the cell.
The Golgi Body
1. Found only in plant cells.
2. Protects the plant cell.
3. This rigid structure, made of cellulose, gives
shape to the plant cell.
4. The only non-living part of the cell.
The Cell Wall
1. Found in both plant and animal cells.
2. Serves as storage for water, food and
waste
3. Largest organelle found in plant cells
The Vacuole
1. Responsible for the production of proteins in
the cell.
2. Found either attached to the walls of the
endoplasmic reticulum or floating freely
in the cytoplasm.
The Ribosome
1. Found primarily in animal cells
2. This is the site where materials are broken
down or recycled in the cell.
3. These structures contain proteins called
enzymes which are responsible for
breaking down materials.
The Lysosome
1. Found in both plant and animal cells.
2. Forms the outside boundary of animal
cells.
3. Responsible for controlling what
materials enter and exit from the cell.
4. Flexible
The Cell Membrane